OSI Sinking Shrimp Pellets Ingredients Analysis

The primary ingredient is shrimp meal. As a secondary ingredient, shrimp meal is a decent addition for improved coloration. As a primary protein source of a fish food, it is less desirable. The next preferred protein source is fish meal. We have no way of measuring the quality of the meal being used. The source for OSI uses for fish meal is unknown. As a result, the quality, subsequent nutritional value, and protein content, are questionable. However, with both Shrimp Meal and Fish Meal listed within the first three ingredients, you can safely assume the primary protein content of this food comes from preferred protein sources.

Spirulina is sometimes called "The Most Nutritious Food on the Planet". Rich in raw protein and seven major vitamins: A1, B1, B2, B6, B12 (one of the best natural sources for B12, although the bioavailability of its B12 is in dispute by many researchers), C and E. It naturally contains beta-carotene, color enhancing pigments, and a whole range of minerals. In addition, Spirulina has 62% amino acid content and contains all essential fatty acids and eight amino acids required for complete nutrition. It is easily digested due to the fact that Spirulina cells do not have cellulose walls. Spirulina is only available in a dry form, so regardless of how it is listed on the ingredient label (spirulina meal, dried spirulina, or spirulina), it's ordering in the ingredient list should be accurate.

Fish oil can be either a beneficial ingredient or a hazardous one. Human grade fish oil collected from specific specifies of fish and screened for mercury will provide necessary omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids as well as protein. Non-human grade fish oil may not be screened for mercury and originate from fish with reduced omega 3 content.

This food does appear to be absent synthetic vitamin K (K3), which is a positive. Even though Ethoxyquin is not listed it can be safely assumed that both the shrimp meal and fish meal contain this preservative. Nor are artificial coloring agents listed as an ingredient, although no marketing or literature exist specifying their absence. Absent such a statement, this food can be assumed to utilize artificial colors.

Oscarfish.Com Rating: 1 Star

Questionable quality of the shrimp and fish meals in use, concerns with preferred protein to non-preferred protein and filler ratio, as well as the likely use of both Ethoxyquin and artificial colors prevents rating any higher.

Understanding Oscarfish.Com Ratings:

This review is an attempt to analyze the ingredients in an effort to judge quality based upon three simple criteria.